Police have confirmed they are investigating the online abuse aimed at Burnley’s Hannibal as part of four separate incidents in the Premier League this weekend.
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After posting a screenshot of the abusive message, Hannibal wrote in a separate post: “It’s 2026 and there [sic] still ppl like that...educate yourself and your kids pls”.
The club also confirmed they had swiftly reported the message to Meta, the owner of Instagram.
It was the first of four separate incidents in the Premier League this weekend, with Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana also receiving abusive messages after being sent off during the 1-1 draw against Scott Parker’s side at Stamford Bridge.
Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle were also targeted.
As a result, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has issued a stark warning to those who believe they can “hide behind their keyboards”.
Hannibal reported racial abuse sent to his Instagram account on Saturday. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttardplaceholder image
Hannibal reported racial abuse sent to his Instagram account on Saturday. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU, said: “There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again.
“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
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A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, meanwhile, described the abuse as “abhorrent”.
"The Prime Minister has supported footballers before who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism and this is no different,” the spokesperson added.
"Premier League clubs have said they want to work with social media sites, including Meta, the Premier League and the police to identify those responsible.
"And Meta has said that it will continue to work to protect people from abuse. Ministers will be holding them to account to ensure it happens."
In response to the racist abuse, anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said it had been an "appalling weekend" but "the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly".
Hannibal has previously been the victim of racist abuse from Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic, who was subsequently hit with a nine-game ban.
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